In this study the transitional justice strategies implemented in Kenya are analysed from the perspective of transitional justice. Kenya is currently undergoing a transition process in which measures have been implemented in order to address past human rights violations. This includes an official inquiry, a truth commission, and criminal investigations. According to the theory of ”hijacked justice”, there exists a risk that transitional justice mechanisms under certain circumstances can be used strategically for political purposes. The risk exists when such mechanisms are implemented as a result of international pressure in countries where the demand for such policies is weak. This study aims at investigating the risk for such... (More)

In this study the transitional justice strategies implemented in Kenya are analysed from the perspective of transitional justice. Kenya is currently undergoing a transition process in which measures have been implemented in order to address past human rights violations. This includes an official inquiry, a truth commission, and criminal investigations. According to the theory of ”hijacked justice”, there exists a risk that transitional justice mechanisms under certain circumstances can be used strategically for political purposes. The risk exists when such mechanisms are implemented as a result of international pressure in countries where the demand for such policies is weak. This study aims at investigating the risk for such politicisation of the process in Kenya. While the transitional process implemented in Kenya includes a comprehensive strategy, which has a national support, there are signs of politicians deriving political advantage from the ICC process. The question about the proper strategy to provide accountability for committed human rights violations have been used to mobilise support in the campaign for the forthcoming presidential election in 2012. (Less)

@misc{2064493,
abstract = {In this study the transitional justice strategies implemented in Kenya are analysed from the perspective of transitional justice. Kenya is currently undergoing a transition process in which measures have been implemented in order to address past human rights violations. This includes an official inquiry, a truth commission, and criminal investigations. According to the theory of ”hijacked justice”, there exists a risk that transitional justice mechanisms under certain circumstances can be used strategically for political purposes. The risk exists when such mechanisms are implemented as a result of international pressure in countries where the demand for such policies is weak. This study aims at investigating the risk for such politicisation of the process in Kenya. While the transitional process implemented in Kenya includes a comprehensive strategy, which has a national support, there are signs of politicians deriving political advantage from the ICC process. The question about the proper strategy to provide accountability for committed human rights violations have been used to mobilise support in the campaign for the forthcoming presidential election in 2012.},
author = {Hilmersson, Maria},
keyword = {Hijacked Justice,Human Rights,mänskliga rättigheter,Kenya,Transitional Justice},
language = {eng},
note = {Student Paper},
title = {Transitional Justice Strategies in Kenya - a risk for hijacked justice?},
year = {2011},
}